Report: Patriots' interest in Mac Jones influenced 49ers' trade up to No. 3

The San Francisco 49ers may have had their eyes on Mac Jones at some point this offseason, after all.

Concern that the New England Patriots could move up for Jones was one of the many factors that prompted the 49ers to trade up to the No. 3 spot in this year's draft, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

The 49ers were reportedly wary about the relationship between Bill Belichick and Jones' former college coach Nick Saban. San Francisco also apparently knew New England was scouting quarterbacks and believed Jones was the passer the team had in its sights.

San Francisco aimed to find a franchise quarterback in this year's draft and eyed multiple candidates. The club eventually traded three first-round picks to the Miami Dolphins to climb to No. 3 and secure the quarterback of its liking.

Speculation about the 49ers' interest in Jones was rampant ahead of the draft, but the club ultimately selected quarterback Trey Lance. Jones, meanwhile, slid to the Patriots at No. 15.